Location: Chattanooga
Top Restaurants in Chattanooga
Top Things to do in Chattanooga
Where to Eat in Chattanooga: The Best Restaurants and Bars
The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point." This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly awesome vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil War, Native American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored by foot, car, bike or train.
Things to do in Chattanooga
1. St. John's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
Chattanooga's most acclaimed restaurant, St. John's Restaurant serves inventive Regional American cuisine from Chef Daniel Lindley in a elegant, historic setting. St. John's superb staff will provide you with a warm and remarkable dining experience and delight you with an extensive and eclectic selection of wines.
Reviewed By chadz52 - Atlanta, Georgia
We dined here for our Aniversary celebration and was not disappointed. All of our servers went out of their way to make this a special occasion for us. You really cannot go wrong on anything on the menu. All of our questions were answered and the recommendations were spot on. We enjoyed our dinner and the complimentary appetizer and glass of Prosecco was a nice touch. This is one of the few restaurants in Chattanooga that offers true fine dining.
2. Uncle Larry's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
Uncle Larry's Restaurant is a family owned business. We thank God first and foremost. We provide a down home fish fry environment. We offer Tilapia, Whiting, Perch and mouth watering Catfish. Come sit in with us and enjoy some good fish. "FISH SO GOOD IT'LL SMACK YA"
Reviewed By tagent22 - Saint John, Indiana
Chattanooga was our overnight stop as we drove to Florida. I did some checking and found Uncle Larry's Restaurant, a family owned business. It was delicious, so glad we were able to dine here. Our server Jeremiah was great, my husband had a good time with him! They give you choices of sides, I had coleslaw & cucumber salad along with hush puppies, all very good. My husband had white beans and baked beans and he enjoyed them, said they were very good! Found this on trip advisor & would highly recommend Uncle Larry's. The only glitch we had was finding it, we weren't aware that MLK Blvd is something else before it turns into MLK Blvd. That happens in several places and it gets confusing. In the end we found it and worth the little detour, very happy with our choice.
3. Bluegrass Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By hcohn31 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
We come here every month or so for the great food & service. Owner Joan Marie works with her family to make this an always enjoyable experience. The menu remains the same because it is so good...always expect a short wait
4. Maple Street Biscuit Company- City Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 859 reviews
Southern comfort food with a modern twist
Reviewed By bwinc1 - Springfield, Illinois
This was a bright, clean and contemperary breakfast stop for us while visiting downtown Chatnaooga. I ordered The Five. It was as described on the menu. I enjoyed everything about from the chicken breast, smoked bacon, cheese and the delicious sausage gravy, with a kick that added the extra punch to makes this a repeat stop next time thru Chattanooga. The staff working that day were very cheerful and seemed to be having fun which is just what you to get a day started right.
5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Chattanooga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Chattanooga is located at Shallowford Road and I-75 in the lobby of the Embassy Suites Hotel.We serve the finest steaks in Chattanooga. Treat yourself to a USDA Prime steak that arrives sizzling on a 500° plate and a bottle from our award-winning wine list. With a spacious bar and multiple dining rooms that are ideal for business dinners, private parties and date nights, our Chattanooga steak house team offers a dining experience you and your guests will long remember.The restaurant boasts private dining rooms to host your next event or meeting. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, an important business lunch or a social event, Ruth’s Chris of Chattanooga can accommodate your needs.
Reviewed By Ben_Theretoo406 - Chevy Chase, Maryland
Ben and Mrs Too had a restaurant scheduled for our night in Chattanooga, but when we saw the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse practically next door, we said we really try one of these and see how it measures up. We are familiar with both Morton’s and Capital Grille, but had never tried Ruth’s Chris before.
We found plenty of free parking and stepped inside to quite a spectacle. Nothing had been spared in the design and decor of the dining room or its furnishings. A resplendently attired gentleman and a lovely hostess greeted us. The hostess asked if a booth would be okay, and we replied yes. She showed us to a very nice banquette and left us with menus. Kitrius, who turned out to be a very capable waiter, arrived and took Ben’s order for an old fashion and her request for unsweetened iced tea.
We looked the menu over, and yearned for those long gone days when we could have run through three lamb chops or a twenty ounce steak and done a number on dessert. That you see, was forty or so years ago, and now we would be glad to settle for the petite tenderloin filet, in combination with a lobster tail for Ben and shrimp for his bride. During all of this process we had not seen hide nor hair of Kitrius. Eventually, he did arrive and we placed our food order, plus a refill of Ben’s old fashion.
Another long interval passed, and Ben said to Mrs Too that he had the feeling that for some reason, we were being ignored. The next time the hostess passed our booth, Ben caught her attention and complained about the service level. In moments, the fashion plate manager came to our table, listened to our saga, and said that when a party requests a booth, they assume that the party wants to be left alone. Now that kind of attitude really gets Ben’s goat. That guy was standing right there when the hostess asked US whether a booth would “be okay”. Loathe to disturb his own digestion or distress the manager’s sartorial splendor, Ben let that go, and did not elaborate on the spelling of assume, if you know what I mean
Dinner did, in due course, arrive and we both found it quite ordinary. The steaks were not up to Landry or Darden standards, the mashed potatoes were so creamy they might as well have been mashed butter beans, and the seafood accompaniments were definitely run of the mill.
We are very glad we tried this beautiful venue, settling forever the question of whether a franchised operation owned by a bunch of investors in it for the buck can compete with professionals like Tillman Fertitta or Darden Restaurants. Never again!
Please note that our check was opened at 6:37 and closed at 8:28, with no time for appetizers or dessert. Just a two hour steak dinner.
6. Main Street Meats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Main Street Meats is Chattanooga's neighborhood butcher. Working with local farms that are deeply committed to animal quality and care, we are changing the way that Chattanoogans know, experience, and enjoy meat. We also serve lunch that features selections from our butcher case. Selections range from our delicious, cast-iron-skillet-fried House Burger to pork shoulder sandwiches served every Friday.
Reviewed By angelshake - Orange Beach, Alabama
Wow, were we impressed! Great selection of drinks and menu items. My husband and I both ordered the Blackberry Farm Tennessee Times Pilsner (amazing!) and shared the pork skins and Reuben with potato salad. I could have licked my plate. The pork skins melt in your mouth, the pastrami was soooo tender and the potato salad was warm and delicious. I also grabbed a bacon and chocolate chip cookie and locally crafted kombucha to go. I can’t wait to go back.
7. Public House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
Reviewed By jasperdad12 - Jasper, Alabama
Staying in Chattanooga for a convention. I asked the front desk clerk whether to eat at Public House or another restaurant for dinner. He replied with hesitation PH. I then walked several blocks to sit down to a nice meal. (I suggest walking around downtown Chattanooga because it is a well done downtown.)
I was seated fairly quickly probably because I was there at 6. Waiter brought me a liter of water and I ordered the chicken and macaroni and cheese. Both the chicken and mc were good. The chicken was moist which was surprising because most restaurants dry out the white meat. The waiter told me that PH places the chicken is a tea and salt brine overnight. The Mac and cheese was very good. It had a smokey flavor.
Service was prompt and the food was good. I would go back.
8. Terra Mae
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
This place is temporarily closed due to renovation. (Tuesday, January 23th - Thursday, March 1)<br><br><br>It starts with the freshest local ingredients from nearby farms, transformed by Chef Shelly D. Cooper into dishes that are both familiar and brand new. This isn't the high Southern cooking you might see in movies like The Help. This isn't low country cooking. It's inspired by the local fare eaten in the Southern Appalachians for centuries, a cuisine born from a deep love of the land.From steaks to scallops, from chowchow to country ham, from barbecue duck to biscuits, from hills and hollers to the coast, TerraMae's menus are firmly rooted in regional traditions with a contemporary twist. Some of our ingredients are unexpected to those who have forgotten or never experienced the practical magic of Appalachian foodways. Whether you come for dinner, lunch, or brunch, you're sure to rediscover the delight of truly local food. TerraMae is a perfect location for large groups and private dining experiences.
Reviewed By Steve A - White Mountains
We were disappointed. The menu was creative, the space attractive, the plates artistically presented and the staff was friendly and welcoming.
However the dishes were not flawless in their executed and the server was lacking in fine dining etiquette. Creativity is not a substitute for strong fundamentals. I also think that management needs to tell the server that nose rings cannot be worn in the dining room.
The restaurant has potential but they need to up their game.
9. HillbillyWilly's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Folks have compared our barbecue to other styles but no other barbecue compares to our taste! Maybe it's the unique design of our smoker that brings out the natural flavor of our "fall off the bone" meat. Maybe it's our homemade sauce that makes you forget your table manners because its so finger-licken-good! Maybe it's because our pork is all hand pulled so you only receive the best selected meat from our cuts. Maybe it's the made from scratch delicious, decadent, southern desserts! Maybe you should just try it for yourself and see what everyone is talking about! When you order just tell 'em to make-er-saucy!"
Reviewed By moviegrrl3 - Montgomery, TX
Stopped in for a quick lunch before getting back on the road. Ordered a pulled pork sandwich and sweet potato. My daughter got PBJ and okra. Hubs had sliced beef with okra and my mom had same thing I did. We both stole a piece of okra from my hubs/daughter and had to get our own order to share. The okra was perfectly cooked. Nice and crispy the way it should be. Ain’t nobody got time for undercooked/soggy okra. The pulled pork was very lean and tender. The mild BBQ sauce was very flavorful and a hit with everyone. The only improvement I would suggest is getting one of those bun toaster things that toast and butter the bun. Other than that A+. Would definitely stop back by next time we drive through.
10. Lupi's Pizza Pies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By BlackHatDiners - LaFayette, Georgia
We had a group of 4 eating at Lupi's. It was a good meal. I kinda like gluten in my pizza crust, but their homemade gluten free crust is pretty good. Like most pizza places that serve lasagna, it comes in a bowl and doesn't have what it takes to really be lasagna. Overall we'll say 3 stars. It's as good as any other pizza place
